New Principal for Audelia Creek Elementary Announced
RISD welcomes Derica Turner as the new principal for Audelia Creek Elementary. Derica has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for students and empowering educators to reach their highest potential. With more than 15 years of experience in public education, she has served in leadership roles at both the campus and district levels, including Executive Director of Special Education, Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, and classroom teacher. Her expertise spans instructional leadership, talent development, strategic planning, and organizational management.
Throughout her career, Turner has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional excellence, organizational effectiveness, and talent development. As Executive Director of Special Education for Cedar Hill ISD, she led system-wide coaching and professional learning initiatives and implemented operational improvements that increased instructional time and strengthened support services for students and staff. Her leadership contributed to increased teacher retention, improved instructional consistency, and expanded family and community engagement.
Turner is recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams, mentor educators, and create systems that support both student success and staff growth. Her experience includes evaluating and coaching teachers, leading campus operations, managing complex programs, and fostering collaborative partnerships with families, community organizations, and district stakeholders.
She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of North Texas. Turner is certified as a Principal (EC–12) and also holds Special Education, ESL, and Generalist certifications.Driven by a passion for educational excellence and servant leadership, Turner remains dedicated to empowering educators, supporting students, and creating learning environments where all individuals can thrive. Her WHY as an educator is believing in the power of schools to change lives and create opportunities for all children.
